Adaptive Re-use of Cars....to store bicycles

IIT Master of Architecture student Matt Moore was a finalist in the WPA 2.0 student competition with this innovative re-use of car panels for bike sheds. Of course, the double entendre is more about the decline of the era of the automobile, and the return of the bicycle. It is interesting to note that Chicago still has yet to adopt a public bicycle scheme similar to Paris's Vélib and many other successful schemes in Europe and now in the United States. It is really such a shame as the city has the 2nd largest public transit infrastructure in the US. Also, the Loop offers extremely high densities particularly in the office sector, so such a service would surely be appreciated, especially with car parking being at a premium.

Innovative Bicycle Storage Solutions from Andrew Lang

Andrew Lang, designer of Cycloc Photograph: Luke Hayes/guardian.co.uk

"Bicycles no longer need to clutter entryways." Time Magazine

The theory that states that the simplest ideas are the best is proved in spades by the Cycloc – the brainchild of product and industrial designer Andrew Lang. That's not to undervalue its genius, which delivers a practical solution with an injection of edgy art installation style. So, what exactly is it? Put simply, the device is a cycle storage solution that dexterously solves the problem of bike storage in confined spaces.

David Byrne Bike Racks NYC

While acting as a judge for a bike rack design competition last year David Byrne - musician, artist and avid New York cyclist - decided it would be a great idea to make his own stamps on the streets of the city. The tongue-in-check street icons were made with their locations in mind. Speaking to the NY Times, Byrne noted “It was important to me that these new racks be the same thickness and material as the existing racks—to help identify them as practical bike racks and not just modern art, the locations about as perfect as one could imagine — Wall Street for the dollar sign and Bergdorf’s for the giant high heel!”

Janette Sadik-Khan, current transportation commissioner has taken on the promotion of cycling in the city as her main priority. “By bringing attractive yet functional sculptures to our streets, we are elevating the profile of cycling, and we believe that more and more people will begin to think about cycling as a mode of transportation, and not just a mode of recreation,” Ms. Sadik-Khan said in a statement. “Regular bike riders have an eagle eye for our current bike racks but these nine installations will capture the attention of all New Yorkers.”